ESPN

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:01 PM)

Hey kids... Happy tuesday. Let's have some fun...Reminder: Fantasy Football is now open on ESPN.com. FREE live scoring this year...

Mike(NY)

Think Carlos Gomez would be a good pick up for a fantasy team. He's showing some power and a lot of speed.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:02 PM)

Yeah, depends on your league size, of course. But Alou's injury is looking worse by the day and no question, he's fast.... He's young, so expect some up and downs, but certainly he'll get steals

matt (nyc)

Harden...try to move him for anything you can get or stick with the potential stud?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

Both. Anyone is available for the right price, so sure, try and move him if you get a great deal, but my guess is you won';t until he stays healthy for a while, so enjoy it while it lasts

Mike (chicago)

Help! Gollardo AND Bush to the pen? I have both!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Yeah, it's not definite on Yovanni - just talk at this point. Wait and see. he'll be helpful regardless of role...My guess is they don't put him in bullpen

Andrew (Flushing, NY)

Do you think Kei Igawa would be a good pick up now that he has come back from the minors?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Yes, I do. Been saying it for a while actually,.

Drew (boston)

Start Guthrie vs the Yanks tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

No. Nervous about it

Calexico,Ca

What are your thoughts on the Dodgers switching Nomar to third, are they giving up on Betemit and Abreu so soon or may be they'll pull the trigger in a trade for another third baseman. (somebody from the Marlins may be)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:07 PM)

I think Nomar will get hurt and I like Loney a lot as their 1b. Don't see them making a trade just yet

Matt (St. Louis)

Wrestling fan? Any thoughts on Benoit, and how big of a story do you think this will be?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:07 PM)

Honestly, I am not a huge wrestling fan. Just heard about this . what a nutty story. My guess it'll be fairly big,.,,

Todd (Minneapolis)

Who's the closer in Philly once Myers and Gordon are both back?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

Myers

jack N (Columbus)

TMR.. Is Stairs legit, or just riding a wave? Best bet for the rest of the season in H2H: Stairs, Hamilton or Burrell?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

I like Hamilton for the speed potential... but Stairs is legit as long as he is playing. Lind needs to step it up before Overbay gets back

Mike (NJ)

You have been saying for a while you were going to write a column about some "buy low" type players. Who are some mid-level pitchers I should be trying to get in a trade?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

I have? I don't remember that. You're probably htinking of another columnist

Ryan (DC)

Best the rest of the way: Thome or Big Hurt?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

Good question. I say Frank.

Jared (MD)

Matt what is your favorite Fantasy sport? Also do you prefer Roto vs. H2H or do you get geeked up equally for both (like me)?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

My favorite is probably baseball, foolowed by hoops. Football is the most fun, but also the most luck based.... I prefer h2h for fun, roto for skill...

Kyle (St. Louis)

How many innings does Billingsley go tonight? Is he a respectable choice as a No. 6 starter the rest of the way, or do I go with McGowan?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Rather have D Mac

Ryan (Boston)

Is King Felix worth a start tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

I wouldn't

Steve (Los Angeles)

Maybe Mike from NJ is referring to your promise to do a love/hate for the 2nd half perhaps?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Hmmm. Maybe. Yeah, that's coming.

Andrew(East Brunswick, NJ)

Start Bailey tonite @ PHI? Also, any update on when ESPN will get the Innings Calculator feature? I'm curious if I am projected over the # of innings. If 1500 is the limit, where should I be at now?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Working on that one, definitely... Trust me, it's a very high priority

Matt (Seattle)

TMR, I spent the child support my ex finally paid me on beer. Good idea?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Depends. Are you sharing with the child?

Douglas (San Ramon, CA)

Where do you think Buerhle lands in a trade and does it greatly inprove his Fantasy value? Worth owning over Schilling?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

Wherever he lands, it'll greatly improve his value. NL he gets to pitch to the pitcher, AL will be a better park and better team behind him. Have to see where he lands for Schilling comparison, but it's close

Jeremy (Bellevue)

MB: do you contribute to FFB also? If so when can we hear from you on that topic? Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

Yep... I do NFL MLB and NBA fantasy... I have a few pieces in the draft kit which is launching this week

Ween (Mars)

Troy Tulowitzki.... a stud player in the making?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Well, sort of. I pimped him last week when Tejada went down as a good replacement but even I didn't see this coming. He doesn't have this much power - just a good week... He's a good, not great, prospect

kris (seattle)

Aaron Hill or Tulowitzki to replace Tejada?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Tony T

Tom (Boston)

Please rank for rest of the year. McGowan, Marcum, Boof, Billingsly. Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

D Mac, Boof, Chad, Marcum

Josh (Los Angeles)

Matthew Berry, why don't you do fantasy NHL? Do you know anything about it? Should I keep a defender like Zdeno Chara instead of Henrik Lundqvist since I already have Roberto Luongo? Or would you keep 2 goalies?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

Because I hate hockey, But you knwo who loves it? Pete Becker. he's Canadian. We'll have a very robust NHL Fantasy Draft Kit this year and lots of content. We have some off-season stuff up now I believe

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Marcum's strikeout numbers as a reliever vs as a starter make me nervous that the bottom is about to fall out

SalPacino (CT)

TMR, what are your thoughts on Mike Maroth coming to the NL? Would you drop Billingsly for him?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Like him for NL Only and no, would rather have Chad

Finn (Seattle, WA)

What was it like working on the Friends set alongside such beautiful women, like Jennifer Anniston and Courtney Cox?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

Congratulation, Finn! You are the 1 millionth person to make that joke. Bob, tell him what he's won! (confetti rains down, girl in tight outfit hands him trophy)

B (Boston)

I'm at work and gave to go into a long meeting in 10 minutes. Give me one topic to ponder that will keep me entertained for the duration...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

If I ran ESPN Fantasy, I would....

barry (Detroit)

What up Berry? Is Durbin out of a rotation spot now in Det?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

Yes. Andrew Miller stays in

Dave (Houston)

I thought Tulowitzki's first name was Troy. Who is Tony T?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

It's Troy 's name that I mistyped

Jon (Los Angeles)

Hello Matthew Berry...Do you like better James Loney better than your junior intern Nate Ravitz? Do you think he's just a glorified version of Sean Casey or do you think he will develop power in time and become a star?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Nate is a talented member of the staff. Junior intern is a name of love. Power will eventually develop but yeah, he's mostly high average this year

Jones (Detroit)

Is your propensity for answering the inane questions like the 'friends' question and the 'child support/beer' statement an attempt at humor you can't provide on your own or simply an attempt to evade questions you can't answer?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Probably both

Paulie

Who wins in a fight between Ivan Drago and CLubber Lang? Think Tyson in his prime could take either of them?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

Drago actually KILLED someone man. Not even close.

Alan (Boston)

Would you hold onto Brian McCann in a 10 team keeper league?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

yes...

Rusty(Long Beach, NY)

K.Escobar for Delmon Young? Is that a fair trade?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Yes, it's more or less fair, but I'd rather have Escobar....

Grant (NY)

Last time.. just 'cause the members of my league won't rest if I don't have the backing of an ESPN expert.. should I veto a trade of Travis Hafner for Homer Bailey and Todd Helton? Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

No, no veto.

Sean (Sea-town)

IM HUNGRY!! Post my question so I can frame the screenshot as the highlight of my life and go eat lunch. I took your advice and dealt the King... now I have Upton on the DL and Felix is throwing near shutouts. Should I punch myself in the face for listening to you?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

ask me in the chat Thirsday after tonight's start

Joe (San Diego)

Do more people play fantasy hockey or those fantasy tabloid games?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

fantasy tabloid / celeb / movies

Eric (Seattle)

Sport's Guy chat in two minutes.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

Do I get to go?

Joe (Squarejaw, NY)

So are we starting Homer tonight or not? You never answered the question.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

I'm not, no

matt (la)

subway or chinese for lunch?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

Chinese today

Scott (Boston via NJ)

Tell these idiots who complain about your non-baseball answers thats just how you roll, and if they can't take the heat get out the kitchen! More importantly, how would you view Josh Hamilton in a keeper league?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

Thanks Scott. I never get it either. Don't show up if you don't dig the way we play... I like Josh quite a bit

Clay (San Antonio, TX)

Did the number of questions in the queue just drop significantly now that Simmons has started chatting? just between you and me...do the guys at ESPn resent Sports guy?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

No, questions seem to streaming in pretty regularly.... I can only speak for me, but no. I'm a huge Simmons fan. And as i said in another chat, Bill's a friend of mine and he was very influential in me landing full time at ESPN. He brings a huge audience to ESPN.com... what's to dislike if you work here? He's earned everything he's gotten

Scott (Boston via NJ)

I give you my support and you give me a BS answer like that? Gimme some more on Hamilton. 40 HR potential? .320 hitter? What can we expect in the next 2-3 years?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Well, ask a better question. What do you think of Hamilton in a keeper league is fairly vague, no? He's more a 30/20 guy with a .290 avg I think

Steve (frisco)

You or bill Simmons in a fight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Good quesdtion. I'll say me...we're the same height, but I'm a lot fatter.

Brian (Ithaca)

Sports Guy says "Good thing Berry doesn't need his mouth free to type"

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

WOW!

Jon (Boston, MA)

How come you guys never answer strategy questions? For example, is it realistic to improve your ERA and WHIP substantially in a 14-team league? I've made good trades and waiver pickups, so my staff is Webb, Burnett, Gallardo, Lilly, Billingsley, Moose, and Pettitte. Will these guys help me climb the standings in those categories?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

Impossible to answer strategy questions specific to a league - I can't say without knowing how far back you are in those categories, who else your opponenet have, categories.... etc etc. That said, that staff is better for ERA than for WHIP. Chad is a WHIP killer

Diesel, NY

I didn't realize fat is such a determining factor for a fight.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

It is when i fall on him

Denver (New York)

PLEASE ASNWER - REAL QUESTION:Will Kelly Johnson lose playing time and continue to hit near the bottom of the lineup?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

No, KJ keeps the gig but yes, looks like Willioe Harris is getting a shot at top of the order... KJ will be fine

Doug (NJ)

People think you have a crystal ball or something? Come on people - he *advises* you, he doesn't think for you.Speaking of advice - Willits for real rest of the way, or does he drop off?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

I like Willist quiet a bit. He is very real and I bet he finishes the year w/ 40+ SB and a a BA close to .300

Steve(San Diego)

Matty, I used to find you self indulgent, vain and difficult to read these chats. Now I find you self indulgent, vain, and I really look forward to these chats. Go figure...Guys like Karabell, Cockroft, etc. just take themselves WAY too seriously.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

The secret to my success.....

Rees (Columbus)

I am so happy that Eric Karabell is back...now we can actually get some worthwhile fantasy advice again. When can we look forward to you leaving for a week? May I suggest an extended vacation?!?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

Steve likes me.

Mike (NJ)

What up Matt? I just picked up Adam Jones. Is he gonna come up? Or do I drop him from Loney? Im in a 12 team Mixed League. I can stash Jones if I have to. What are the projections for them the rest of this yr? Thx!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

I drop him for Loney. Loney is going to play every day. Jones probably up after the All-Star break...

Diesel, NYC

Are your fantasy leagues all for money? Is it pointless if it's not for money. It's all about the benjamins isn't it?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

Nope. Most of mine are for pride. I think I'm only in one money leagues and it's like a $100 buy in or something. Nothing exciting... Much more fun to play for pride...

I. Freemont (SLC, UT)

Do you find that keeper leagues have less in-season trading?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

I find they have more because teams that are out of it still have reasons to trade

Dan (utica)

Kelvim Escobar or Delmon Young in a 3 year KEEPER league, same answer?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Easy. Delmon.

David (Gainesville, FL)

please answer my incredibly esoteric question (it will teach your readers a new word), which crappy closer would you rather have the rest of the year: accardo or reyes?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Accardo because Reyes might be traded.

Garrett (Seattle)

What are you best and worst call of the year so far? If I may, I'll choose Bonds for both- great call you loved him preseason, terrible call not to sell high.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

LOL. Thanks. Abreu same thing - horrible call on him being huge in pre-season, but good call on him turning it around. I still say Bonds will turn it around. I was high on Orlando Cabrera in the pres-season, he's having a huge year and I was the first guy to say harden would go to the bullpen (listen to my podcast from three months ago when Harden first went on the DL for the season)... bad calls, well, I had A ROd at #5 overall going into the year...

Greg (Boston)

Who's the 2nd pick in FFL this year? Steven Jackson? Shaun Alexander? Reggie Bush?....

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

S JAX. Sigh.

Adam (Forest Hills, NY)

Is the following mathematical statement true or false? ESPN + Free Fantasy Football w/ Live Scoring = Just as many problems as ESPN Free Fantasy Baseball 2007?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

No, it isn't. The problems we had with baseball this year had to do with the daily transactional data feed, NOTHING to do with scoring. Football was ROCK SOLID last year (UNLIKE some of our competitors, who were less than classy during the start of baseball season).It's the best game and it's 100% free. And it worked just fine last year, thank you very much. FB is a weekly game - very different program than MLB.

Cy (NYC)

hey Matt, Nate's content isn't free for us non-Insiders. does that mean he's the more talented rotomeister??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

It means his analysis more clearly defines the Insider status.

Andrew(East Brunswick, NJ)

Steven Jackson over Alexander? Care to elaborate?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

One has a lot of questions. One doesn't. SA has injuries to deal with and a banged up O Line...

Nicholas, NYC

I'm curious, I believe you once said "deep" meants at least 12 teams NL/AL only... I'm in a league 16 mixed 33, this isn't deep enough for ESPN experts?!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

No, that's a hardcore league. Well done

Steve (Boston)

Basically every ESPN expert uses the words 'get him' at least twice per blog - If I listened, I'd be making 100 pickups per month. Do any of you play for skill and limit your allowed waiver transactions?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

Well, we assume when you read you have a brain and that you realzie columns are written for a large audience, like the one ESPN has. That if you need help at a certian position or are looking for the certain stats a guy gets... there he is. We believe in him.

Chris (New York)

Matt - ESPN has some of the most sophisicated (and presumably lucrative)advertising on the web. Yet half the content requires an additional subscription fee. Does this haunt your soul at night?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Not my decision. But Insider is 11 cents a day.... It's not back breaking, you know? And in terms of fantasy, we've found a lot of people WANT to pay - they want info that not everyone has

AJ (Detroit)

Did I ever tell you how stupid the nickname "The Talented Mr. Roto" is?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

nope

Phil Garner (Houston)

Who will be my closer next week? Wheeler or Qualls?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Qualls

Rob (Teaneck, NJ)

How real is McGowan? Please provide some numbers...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

6 of 7 quality starts, almost a 3 to 1 K/BB.... Skill set is supported by minor league numbers back in the day before he was injured

Mike (Dayton)

I made everyone proud by slamming beers this weekend to make the girls in Pittsburgh hotter.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

You the man, Mike.

matt (la)

the nickname is pretty sweet. and you are better looking than jude law too. ok, so maybe its a tie.

Sid (Brooklyn, NY)

Has anyone ever told you that you look alot like Scott Thompson from the Kids in the Hall?

TMR Cyber Stalker

Insider access update for TMR subscribers por favor....

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

Two weeks, max I am told

Tim (Oakland, CA)

Here's a strategy question you can answer...Is it a good idea to use waiver claims or pickup players that you don't need just to block other owners from getting them? For example, let's say you're in 1st place and lead your league in steals and Scott Podsednik is available. Do you add him so the team in 2nd can't gain in the steals category or do you let him go and pickup somebody you actually need? Same can be said with closers...if you lead your league in saves, do you add new closers to keep them off other teams?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Absolutely. You want to gain as many points as you can, whether that means you going up in a category or someone else going down.

Matt (Athens, OH)

Real question: Would you drop Colon for DLowe, this year only?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Yes

Ryan (NYC)

Does Gregg keep his job in FLA?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

I don't think so. he gievs up a A LOT of baserunners - playing with fire recently and they have benitez there plus Owens and tank...

Matt (St. Louis)

You can get insider free if you just subscribe to ESPN the Magazine for like two bucks off Ebay subscriptions, FYI. Help lose ESPN money Berry!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

Hmmm

John (Denver)

Matthew Berry, did you father a Cabbage Patch Kid?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

During a time in the early '90's, anything is possible

Nick, DC

Real quick...Drop Zim for Braun??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

Yes

matt (la)

with lots of trade rumors curculating around MLB, which ones, regarding both teams and players, are most likely to happen this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

BUerle, obviously, Dye... I bet Willis gets moved

Jake (Roanoke, VA)

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!! I've been trying to get this answered for weeks! Kazmir isn't doing what I expected. What do YOU expect from here on out? The ace numbers he was supposed to bring? Or just more WHIP-killing?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

I've never been as high on Kazmir as a lot of people - so I guess that was another good call by me pre-season, as I had him as a bust. injury prone, bad team and bullpen... he's better than he's shown, no doubt but I don't expect him to improve in a HUGE way

Max (Camels Hump State Park, Vermont )

PLease answer this @$@!%#@*?>@!!!! Cano or Kendrick for the rest of the year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Cano

Zach (Orlando, FL)

Does it work both ways? TMR subscription for ESPN Insiders?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Yes

Jeff - SD

Carpenter pitching in July or August?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

late July is current timetable

Rich, Dallas

We just have one guy subscribe and everyone use his account.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Even better.

Shamus (Myrtle Beach)

Matty, I pay full price for insider, well worth it. 12 team keeper, but need SP help this year. Good sell high/buy low: Give Torii for Carpenter? Also who wins: Chris B. Young (OF) or Lincecum?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Torii isn't sell high - he's legit. but I do like grabbing Carp these days. I expect him to bounc back - 6-7 wins, a 3.75 ERA

Rob (NYC)

Just wondering, did your old boss at Rotoworld ever congratulate you on your new gig at ESPN? Do you still talk?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

Yes and yes. The guy who fired me has been very gracious throughout... congratulated me on site launchig, on all the usccess of the old site and then the ESPN gig. We still talk occasional;ly. getting fired from there was best thing that ever happened to me. Just wish almost every single writer they hired didn't rip me and my site off constantly, but what are you gonna do?

Scott (Richmond)

Who is your favorite New Kid? Donnie? Joey?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

Donnie. The less talented Wahlberg

Sean (Tacoma, WA)

Will ESPN have fantasy football with defensive players this season? I know some leagues use them and have tackles, sacks, interceptions, etc... as roto categories.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

Yep

Adam (Columbus, OH)

Approximate percentage of people that say that they hate you that are just doing it to see if you'll post it?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

65%

Wayne (Toronto)

I agree with Scott in NJ, fantasy is not a job to those in this chat, just for you, we play for fun. Way to keep light.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

Thanks

bart (Springfield)

Why did that dummy fire you?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

They were trying to tighten their budget in the lean internet years and I was making $100 a column as a free lance part timer... their most expensive writer. They wanted me to go to $25 a column after four years of writing for them and building them up. I refused - not the money, the priciple. So they fired me.

Tony (Scranton, PA)

I think you missed part of one... what about that CB YOUNG vs LINCECUM in a keeper?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

Sorry... I say CB Youg - nmore consistent

Ryan (Rochester)

Marlon Byrd for real?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

Nope

barry (Detroit)

besides the worldwide leader, what is the best fantasy site out there?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

well, I also own RotoPass.com....

Rick (Detroit)

Your FAT/FAG ratio is off the charts today.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

Yeah, right?

Jon (Boston)

Please rank, Mussina, Buerhle, D-Train, AJ Burnett. Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

Buerhle, Moose, AJ, D Train. (AJ so low because of injury risk)

Ryan (Boston)

Wilitis or Hart the rest of the way?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

Hart

JJ (Matt Berry Hump State Park, Vermont ):

Why Cano over Kendrick? Cano has no lineup protection!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

Kendrick has no power and no real chance at RBI

Rich NJ

I have to decide in less than 3 minutes. I feel awful. Seriously. Should I call in sick?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

Yeah, don't push too hard. You need to take it easy.

Michael (Portland, ME)

If Moises in fact has a tear in his left quad, is he done for the season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

I think so. It's why I said yeah on the Gomez question earlier...

Charlie (MN)

What do you think about Cocoa Crispies? Oh, also how will Coco Crisp play the remainder of the season? More valuable than say Teehen, Pence, or Matsui???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:09 PM)

Changed his tstance and has been hitting like .315 in June... I like him

Mike (PA)

Who quits first today: You or Simmons?And I'm talking about the fantasy chat not what Brian was alluding to earlier.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:10 PM)

Me. I gotta run, actually. Still have stuff to do for FB Draft kit and a TRUM to try to write (although probably not going up until tomorrow). Plus I am filiing in on ESPN Radio 710 in Los Angeles for afternoon drive today if anyone wants to hear what i sound like doing sports radio. You can hear it live on 710espn.com

Adam (Balt)

OK, so do you have office hours? What's the work day like for an ESPN fantasy analyst?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:10 PM)

Yes. I get in at 8 and leave when the day is done - uaslly around 7 or 8. I'm also watching and researching and writng at night. but keep in mind i'm a workaholic

Mike (NY)

Keeper League: Gordon or Delmon?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:11 PM)

Delmon

Jeremy (Boston)

Is Dave Bush really going to the bullpen?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:11 PM)

Yep, looking that way

Tim, Detroit

"Just wish almost every single writer they hired didn't rip me and my site off constantly, but what are you gonna do?"Call a lawyer, dummy!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:12 PM)

Why? It's hard to prove and it's just annoying, that's all. People that have been reading me and others for years know the score.... and besides, I'm at ESPN. I got the best job in the universe. What do I care ultimately? It all worked out...

Jenny (Philly)

If you're gonna take all the stupid comments, you could at least stay in here till 4:45 to make it seem like you answered at least a couple of baseball questions. delgado or gonzales?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:12 PM)

Adrian

Steve (Ithaca)

That comment about the name reminded me of something I wanted to ask you about - Last week, you said the ex-Mrs. Berry came up with the TMR moniker. So how hard did you have to fight to keep it in the divorce settlement?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:13 PM)

LOL. None whatsoever. She's actually very cool and we're good friends

Hank (Maryland)

do you have a corner office, or cubicle?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:13 PM)

office

Lawyer (OH)

your case isnt woth squat

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:14 PM)

true dat

John (White Plains< NY)

Buerhle, Zito or Harden?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:14 PM)

Buerhle

Matt (Charlotte, NC)

Compliment compliment compliment re: your awesomeness. Crap talking statement about person who insulted you. Question: Just traded Sizemore/Halladay for Santana/Maggs/McCann... GTR?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:14 PM)

LOL. Yeah, that's sweet, I'm worried about Roy.

Sean (NJ)

DOes COckcroft have a cubicle?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:15 PM)

Tristan writes from home

George (NYC)

Lester or D-Mac?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:15 PM)

D Mac

Rob (Teaneck, NJ)

who are your second half turnaround pitchers?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:18 PM)

Well, I'm on record about Kei Igawa. I bet Derek Lowe has a very strong second half. Ervin Santana will get his road stuff straightened out. Boof Bonser. Claudio vargas.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:18 PM)

Matt Cain too.

Abdul (New Brunswick, NJ)

Worried enough to move Halladay in a keeper? Tough trading league...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:18 PM)

No, not yet... but he's giving up a lot of hits and baserunners

Mary (Los Angeles)

What time will you be on in LA? I listen to 710 all the time.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:18 PM)

3pm to 7pm PST

Jared (MD)

Matt was Pods worth keeping all of this time? What do you see him doing for the remainder of the year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:19 PM)

25 SB, .265

Michael (Marietta, GA)

Who is your surprise player for post All-Star break. Someone who is having a bad first half and it will look to turn it around second half. Anybody going to do what Albert Belle did like 10 years ago. 41 HRs second half. Any suggestions on who might get close to that? Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:19 PM)

The obvious guys like Berkman, Hafner, etc. I do still believe in Adam Lind.

Ryan (NYC)

worried about lackey? bedard?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:20 PM)

yes and no...

James (KS)

Crawford or Holliday for the rest of the season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:20 PM)

Crawford

The artist formally known as Matt (SC)

What kind of sauce do you use on your chicken fingers? And might seem a little crazy, but if you had outfield depth would you trade Bonds for Carpenter? Thanks Matthew!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:20 PM)

Sweet and sour and no, I would not.

Mike (NJ)

On the Dave Bush News!!!! Is it official? Last thing I heard was Gallardo to the Pen. Where is that news coming from? so loney over adam jones. how about butler or loney?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:21 PM)

It's speculation at this moment.... nothing official.

Jared (Philly)

How do you feel about Shields vs the White Soxs tonight? Think he'll bounce back?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:21 PM)

yes and yes,

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:21 PM)

Okay gang, I gott a jet. Thanks for coming by! See ya Thursday

Doug (NJ)

At this point, 80 minutes into the chat, you have answered 65 fantasy baseball related questions.For comparison - Nate Ravitz answered 35 in 60 minutes this morning.Just saying...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:21 PM)

I'll take that stat....

Jared (MD)

Last one for me. The radio show you are on today...Accessible on XM or completely different? Doug Gottlieb's spot I believe

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:22 PM)

different - it's local ... www.710espn.com

Lisa (DC)

PLEEEEEEEAAAAAAASSSSSEEEEE - don't make this only a guys show!!! Women are people and players too!Francis OK? Perez and Shields - what do you think?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:23 PM)

yes on Frnacis.... Like Olly and Shields too...ok, now I really gotta go...